In a turbulent week it would seem impossible that a good day would involve Adrian Peterson getting hurt, but on Sunday that’s what happened. This week is actually Fraziers first full week as the Viking’s head coach and even the press conferences have a better feeling. Minnesota is still only 4-7, but after the win in Washington the mood seems to have lightened a bit around this team. The age of Childress is gone and more importantly, so is the burden of answering questions about the former coach. Even though it didn’t save the season, the win against the Redskins did provide plenty of positives for the Viking fans to talk about.

Adrian Peterson looked great during the first quarter. Then he was gone. AD suffered an ankle injury and did not return. That was really the only significant negative for Minnesota during the game, especially since Washington had a touchdown called back for an illegal block. It was a very good sign to see Toby Gerhardt step in and put forth a solid rushing effort in Peterson’s absence. Jared Allen and the defense looked solid all game and kept consistent pressure on Donovan McNabb. Brett Favre was efficient and didn’t make any big mistakes. All of these things contributed to three huge facts that are all intertwined. The Vikings did not turn the ball over. For the first time in the 2010 season, Minnesota scored a touchdown on their opening drive. And the Vikes won on the road for the first time in over a year. I don’t think they miss Brad.

Does Leslie Frazier deserve credit for all of this? No, but him coming in has definitely made a difference, even if it’s just in attitude. The Vikings looked like a team for the first time this season. It’s still hard for Minnesota fans to get too excited. They won’t get any of the games back. Randy Moss is in Tennessee, and that third round draft pick used to bring him back is in New England. Brett Favre is going to finish the year, although nobody is really sure why. Maybe the worst reality is that after two straight division crowns, the Vikings are going to miss the playoffs(barring divine intervention). Even with reality staring us all in the face, it’s still hard not to feel positive about Frazier getting his chance here instead of somewhere else. Minnesota has three straight home games coming up and Brad Childress won’t be there. It’s just hard to feel negative about any part of that.

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Written by Sean Eckhardt
Univ of Alabama alumni. Born and raised outside Chicago, IL. Currently live in Florida. Some of my favorite teams include the Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Heat, and the Florida Panthers. My interests outside of sports include music, outdoor activities, and anything with a motor(cars, bikes, boats, etc...).